Velvet Guinness Chocolate Delight

Welcome to a truly exceptional dessert experience! As St. Patrick’s Day draws near, it’s time to elevate our celebrations beyond green treats and embrace the rich, sophisticated flavors of Ireland. We’re talking about the legendary Chocolate Guinness Cake – a dessert that promises to be the star of any festive gathering. This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a dense, moist, single-layer masterpiece infused with the iconic Irish stout and crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese icing that perfectly mimics the frothy head of a freshly poured pint of Guinness.

Inspired by the brilliant Nigella Lawson, this recipe transforms the humble stout into a baking marvel. The Guinness doesn’t just add a subtle depth of flavor; it reacts with the cocoa to create an incredibly dark, rich chocolate cake with a surprisingly complex, malty undertone. Even if you’re not typically a beer enthusiast, you’ll be utterly captivated by how the stout enhances the chocolate without imparting an alcoholic taste. This easy-to-make cake is not only ideal for St. Patrick’s Day but also a perfect indulgence for any occasion that calls for a truly unforgettable chocolate dessert.

Why This Chocolate Guinness Cake is an Absolute Must-Make

Forget the notion that St. Patrick’s Day desserts must be green! While vibrant emerald treats have their charm, this Chocolate Guinness Cake offers a deep, authentic taste of Irish culinary tradition that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire:

• A Sophisticated Irish Celebration: While green desserts are fun, a decadent chocolate cake flavored with genuine Guinness stout offers a more grown-up and incredibly delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It pays homage to Ireland’s most famous brew in a truly unique and celebratory fashion.
• Beyond the Beer Flavor: Many are hesitant about adding beer to cake, fearing an overpowering alcoholic taste. Rest assured, the alcohol in the Guinness largely evaporates during the baking process, leaving behind only its rich, malty notes and subtle bitterness. These qualities magically enhance the chocolate, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched by ordinary chocolate cakes.
• Unbeatable Moisture and Texture: The Guinness stout and sour cream work in harmony to create an extraordinarily moist and tender crumb. This is a dense yet delicate cake that melts in your mouth, a true testament to the power of these key ingredients.
• Irresistible Flavor Pairing: What’s better than rich chocolate cake? Rich chocolate cake paired with a light, tangy cream cheese frosting! The slight tartness of the cream cheese perfectly balances the deep sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.
• Effortlessly Elegant Presentation: This is a one-layer cake, making it surprisingly simple to assemble and frost. The creamy white icing swirled on top naturally resembles the iconic head of foam on a pint of Guinness, offering an instantly recognizable and charming presentation that requires minimal effort.
• A Year-Round Favorite: While perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, the timeless combination of chocolate, stout, and cream cheese makes this cake suitable for any special occasion, or simply as a comforting weekend treat. It’s a versatile dessert that always impresses.

Essential Tips for a Flawless Chocolate Guinness Cake

Achieving baking perfection with your Chocolate Guinness Cake is easier than you think, especially with these expert tips designed to ensure a moist, flavorful cake and a beautifully frosted finish. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that truly shines:

• Prepare Your Pan Properly: Always grease your springform pan thoroughly. Then, line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures a clean release, maintaining the cake’s pristine edges and structure.
• Cool Completely for Best Release: Resist the urge to unmold the cake while it’s warm. PRO-Tip: Allow the cake to cool completely in the springform pan on a wire rack. As it cools, the cake naturally contracts slightly, making it much easier to remove without any tearing or damage to the sides.
• Monitor Your Baking Time: Ovens vary significantly, so while the recipe provides a guide, always trust your instincts and test for doneness. PRO-Tip: I’ve found that baking for the longer end of the recommended time, or even a few minutes extra, helps prevent the center from sinking while still keeping the cake incredibly moist. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Achieve the Signature “Guinness Head” Frosting: To replicate the iconic frothy head of a Guinness pint, scrape the cream cheese frosting into the middle of the cooled cake. Then, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the frosting outwards, leaving a small, dark rim of the chocolate cake exposed around the edge. This creates a striking visual contrast.
• Store with Care: Once frosted, this cake is best stored in the refrigerator. To prevent it from drying out, particularly the exposed cake edges, wrap the sides snugly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight cake carrier. For optimal flavor and texture, let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before serving.
• Experiment with Stouts: While Guinness Draught is the classic choice, don’t hesitate to try other dark stouts or even a chocolate stout for a subtle variation in flavor. Each stout will impart its own unique character to the cake.
• A Touch of Irish Cream: For an extra layer of indulgence, consider adding a tablespoon or two of Baileys Irish Cream to your cream cheese frosting. It beautifully complements the chocolate and adds another authentic Irish note.
• Serve the Authentic Way: For the ultimate Irish treat, serve slices of your Chocolate Guinness Cake alongside a cold glass of Guinness stout. The pairing is truly magical, with the beer cutting through the richness of the cake and enhancing its unique flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Guinness Cake

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Chocolate Guinness Cake

Embark on a delightful baking journey to create this impressive Chocolate Guinness Cake. The process is straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results. As you follow these steps, your kitchen will be filled with the most enticing aromas, building anticipation for the delicious outcome.

First, prepare your oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and meticulously butter a 9-inch springform pan. Don’t forget to line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper; this simple step makes unmolding a breeze later. Next, combine the Guinness stout and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch as the butter slowly melts into the dark stout, creating a rich, aromatic liquid. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the cocoa and sugar until beautifully blended.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. This mixture provides the tenderness and moisture your cake will crave. Carefully pour the warm Guinness mixture into the sour cream blend, whisking gently to combine everything seamlessly. The dark, frothy liquid will look enticing! Finally, fold in the flour and baking soda, mixing just until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Pour the luxurious batter into your prepared springform pan. The batter will be thick and rich, promising an incredibly moist cake. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the cake has risen beautifully and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This is a crucial step for maintaining its structure and ensuring a clean release.

While the cake cools, prepare your heavenly cream cheese frosting. Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth frosting. Add the softened cream cheese and blend until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the heavy cream and vanilla, mixing until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Once your cake is fully cooled, gently remove it from the pan and place it on your desired serving dish. Generously ice only the top of the cake, swirling the frosting to create that iconic “frothy pint” effect. Now, your masterpiece is ready to be admired and devoured!

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

A slice of Chocolate Guinness Cake is a decadent treat on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully can elevate the experience even further. For a truly authentic Irish celebration, serve it alongside a fresh pint of Guinness Draught – the beer’s roasted notes and slight bitterness beautifully complement the cake’s richness. For non-alcoholic options, a robust cup of coffee or a fragrant Irish breakfast tea makes an excellent companion, cutting through the sweetness. Consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries for added freshness and a pop of color. And for those who enjoy a little extra kick, a small shot of Baileys Irish Cream or a fine Irish whiskey on the side provides a luxurious finish to this already magnificent dessert.

You May Also Like:

• Rainbow Cloud Cake from Julie’s Eats and Treats
• Irish Chocolate Mousse Cake
• Easy Irish Brown Bread
• Irish Soda Bread
• Irish Cream Pots de Creme
• Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
• Irish Cream Pots de Creme
• Plus, here’s another one layer Chocolate Cake Recipe.
• More Holiday Recipes

The Recipe:

Chocolate Guinness Cake Recipe

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes

Yield
12 servings

A rich, dense, and incredibly moist chocolate cake made with Guinness stout, topped with a fluffy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This single-layer cake is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Butter for pan
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the Guinness stout and butter. Place over medium heat until the butter melts completely, then remove from heat.
3. Add the cocoa powder and sugar to the Guinness mixture, whisking until thoroughly blended and smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well until evenly incorporated. Add the Guinness mixture to this bowl and whisk again until smooth.
5. Add the all-purpose flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients, and whisk gently until just smooth and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cake is risen, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Place the pan on a wire rack and cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it.
7. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting: Sift powdered sugar into a medium bowl to remove any lumps. Add the softened cream cheese and blend with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then mix again until the frosting is light, smooth, and fluffy.
8. Once the cake is completely cooled, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving dish. Generously ice only the top of the cake, using an offset spatula to create beautiful swirls that resemble the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Nigella Lawson.

Using a springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom greatly helps the cake release cleanly and easily.

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients like eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This ensures a smooth, well-emulsified batter and frosting.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 473Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 422mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 1gSugar: 46gProtein: 5g

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